2024 Lab Company Performance Fellows

The Hangar Lab Company Performance Fellowship, designed for college students and theatre artists transitioning into the professional world and selected through an entirely virtual application process, provides an immersive hands-on experience in a repertory environment, while receiving housing and a weekly stipend.

Hangar Lab Performance Fellows will spend the summer learning, rehearsing, and performing at and around the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, NY. Fellows will enhance their craft by engaging in a series of professional level rehearsal experiences and performances–all led or directed by guest artists, Hangar staff, and Hangar Directing Fellows.

Top Reasons to Apply for a Lab Company Performance Fellowship

• Apply virtually from anywhere in the world
• Gain an immersive hands-on experience in a repertory environment
• Attend classes and workshops taught by career professionals
• Enhance your craft by engaging in a series of professional-level rehearsal experiences and performances, all taught, led, or directed by guest artists, Hangar staff, and Hangar Directing Fellows
• Spend the summer learning, rehearsing, and performing at and around the Hangar Theatre in beautiful Ithaca, New York.
• Receive housing and a weekly stipend

Hangar Lab Fellowship Performance Series

 The Hangar Theatre’s mainstage lineup includes current and classic musicals, as well as plays and readings that reflect the diverse offerings of contemporary American theatre.

The Hangar’s summer KIDDSTUFF theatre for young audiences (TYA) series features plays and musicals selected especially for young audiences, that include a selection of current popular titles and reimagined classics that reflect the diversity of backgrounds and viewpoints of today’s world. 2024 KIDDSTUFF productions will take place on the Hangar’s Outdoor Tented Stage.

Performance Fellowship Assignments:

Each Lab Company Performance Fellow will be cast in multiple roles throughout the summer, including one (or more) KIDDSTUFF production. Some Performance Fellows will also be considered for and cast in Hangar Mainstage productions, and possibly other performance opportunities throughout the season. All roles will be offered as part of the Fellow’s Letter of Agreement (LOA) outlining the full summer commitment. Performance Fellows will have the opportunity to read and consider all scripts before accepting assignments. 

Some Fellows will also be assigned an assistant teaching position with our Next Generation School of Theatre for school-aged young artists. There will be space on the application to indicate whether this is of interest, and to share any teaching experience you’ve had.

Collaborators:

• • Hangar Performance Fellows work closely with Hangar Directing and Design Fellows while rehearsing and performing KIDDSTUFF and other possible projects. 
  • Fellows will work with experienced professional directors and actors during Hangar mainstage assignments.
  • If Fellowship tracks include a teaching assignment, they will work with Hangar Teaching Artists and Hangar Education staff during that period of time.

Learning Objectives:

The greatest value of the Hangar Lab program has always been the opportunity to learn by doing. As a 2021 participant shared, “I think the most valuable opportunity is to be able to perform in 3 shows within 2 months … it really helps you improve as an actor. I also enjoyed collaborating with everyone … it was a really immersive experience.”

With that in mind, a Hangar Lab Performance Fellow can expect to:

• Develop a process for investigating scripts and developing characters both in the rehearsal room and in personal preparation.
• Better understand the relationship between actor and director, and best practices for communicating within that relationship.
• Work collaboratively with a director, fellow actors, and designers to establish staging for effective and exciting story-telling.
• Learn to move from page-to-stage in a relatively short rehearsal period: develop strategies to effectively learn text and make it your own
• Learn special skills and techniques through professional development workshops

The Ithaca Area:

Located in the Finger Lakes Region of central New York State, Ithaca has been named one of the best small towns and cities in the U.S. by The Guardian. Sitting on the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is home to over 100 waterfalls within 10 miles of downtown, more restaurants per capita than New York City, two major universities, and a thriving arts scene, of which the Hangar is proud to be a part of. As a Lab Company Performance Fellow, you’ll experience a Finger Lakes summer like no other, living, working, and creating in and around Ithaca, NY. Company members who opt for housing will be housed in fully-furnished rooms on a college campus in Tompkins County. Work-related transportation and regular trips to malls and grocery stores are provided, but Fellows that are able to bring their own cars are encouraged to do so.

Compensation:

Fellowship compensation includes a weekly stipend of $300 and housing for the duration of the residency. We can provide travel funding up to $200.

Dates:

 2024 Program Date Range: May 30, 2024 to July 28, 2024 (arrival and departure dates may be staggered).

COVID-19 Considerations:

All Hangar performance and education programs will follow current union and state guidelines regarding COVID safety.

How to Apply:

Applications are available here.

The deadline to complete the application and submit all videos is Friday, March 29, 2024. Artists who have completed the previous iteration of the Hangar Lab Company are welcome and encouraged to apply for the performance fellowship.

QUESTIONS? Email lab@hangartheatre.org